How to Replace Old Bathroom Exhaust Fan

Do you have an older bathroom exhaust fan in your bathroom? Has it started making loud noises or stopped working when you turn on the wall switch?

If either of these are true, then it might be time for a bath fan replacement. In this article, we provide a step-by-step process on how to perform an exhaust fan replacement.

Disclaimer

While changing bathroom exhaust fans is a quick and simple task HomElectrical advises you to hire a licensed electrician. Certain vent fans have wiring and ductwork that require professional assistance.

Before changing bathroom fans, electricians gather the tools and supplies for the replacement. These tools include:

• Drop Cloth
• Screwdriver
• Circuit tester
• Drill and bits
• Drywall knife
• HVAC duct tape
• Wire Connectors

Before the electrician comes to do the replacement, make sure to purchase the replacement fan for your bathroom. Look for fans that have a low sone level and high CFM number. The lower the sone level, the quieter it is. The higher the CFM, the more powerful the fan.

Find your new bathroom exhaust fan replacement today at HomElectrical!

Before starting the replacement, the electrician will turn off the power to the old exhaust fan. Then, they will shut off power to the circuit breaker in your home.

Once the power is off, the replacement process starts when they remove the fan.

Step 1: Remove the grill by either pressing it on the side or unscrewing the screws holding it in place.

Step 2: After removing the grill, use the circuit tester to see if there is electricity flowing through the wires. If electricity is not flowing through the wires, disconnect the wires from the housing.

Step 3: Release the fan housing from the wall by backing out the fasteners. If the fasteners are not inside the housing, they are typically above the housing. Use the dry wall knife to cut through them.

Step 4: Gently remove the housing from the wall and either cut the wires or separate the cable clamp from the housing. Also remove any duct tape that is potentially holding the wire housing.

Step 5: Strip the cable insulation about four inches and then strip about half an inch of insulation from the wire ends. Make sure to straighten the wires and avoid nicking them.

After stripping the cable wires, it's time to install the new bathroom fan.

Step 6: To begin, place a cable clamp on the housing and screw the lock ring on the clamp and tighten.

Step 7: Then, loosen the clamp and push the wires about six inches through the clamp and into the box. Tighten the clamp once the wires are in the box.

Step 8: Next, attach the vent duct to the new fan housing. To keep them together, add the HVAC duct tape. Gently pull on the duct to make sure that it is secure.

Step 9: After connecting the duct and the housing, place the new housing in the wall. Make sure to attach the housing with the nearest joist using screws.

Step 10: Now, connect the wires. Connect the ground wires and hold the stripped ends of the wires together and twist them clockwise. Do the same for the white and black wires. Once the wires are all connected, attach the receptacle cover.

Step 11: Line up the receptacle with the receptacle box on the fan mechanism. Next, push the fan mechanism into the housing until it clicks into place.

Step 12: If applicable plug the fan plug into the receptacle.

Step 13: For the final step, place the grill over the housing. Do this by attaching the grill to the grooves in the housing. After attaching the grill, turn the power back on and test to see if the fan works.

This completes the bathroom fan replacement! Enjoy your new bathroom fan!

Bathroom exhaust fans are very helpful for many homeowners. However, old bathroom fans can become loud and stop working properly. Hopefully after reading this blog, you are more knowledgeable about replacing your old bathroom exhaust fans!